Jean Paul TR-430 Intermediate Bb Trumpet - Brass Lacquered with Rose Brass Leadpipe

I was a music major 50 years ago and decided to start playing again. So I bought a Mendini By Cecilio. It was cheap and good enough to learn on. But the valves started getting worse and worse, and I could tell the sound wasn't so good. So I found this one on sale for less than $400. It's as different as night and day. I can hit notes that I thought were out of range. The valves are so smooth it took me a while to get used to them. The third valve slide actually worked right out of the box, and notes using the third valve sound better than the Mendini even without using the slide. The intonation is superb. You can feel it resonate through your hands. You can go from a low register and reach up and grab high notes easily. At times the notes are smooth as a tenor sax. I had wondered why my old horn sounded so bad compared to anyone elses. I thought it must be me. It wasn't. The Mendini got me to a higher level, but compared to the Jean Paul it's just a toy. I've always wanted a Yamaha, or maybe a Bach, but I don't think either would be much better than this Jean Paul. And I still feel the same two weeks later.

I purchased this Trumpet for my son who was starting his journey into music at the start of the school year. We haven't completed a full semester yet. But already I can tell you everyone that's seen this horn has been surprised. It's built well, handily withstood the abuse of an elementary student. There are no points on the horn that feel week or soft. It sounds great. And while I'm not qualified to rate this instrument on a professional scale, the teachers involved with my son's education all have nothing but good things to say as well. All for a price that was about the same as a used horn elsewhere.My wife is involved in the local Band Booster, she's been recommending Jean Paul instruments to any parents she can reach as a result. I've had a long personal conversation with the individual that handles warranties. And I'm happy to report even the business practices internally are solid.Support this small business folks, this is the real deal. A good family providing good instruments for a good price.*Original Review: October 6, 2018*Updated Review: January 13, 2021This trumpet still looks brand new, still functions brand new, and it's been beaten up by my son for 2 years and 4 months. This is a perfect student horn!

I purchased this item because I saw many great 5 star reviews. I am still looking for a horn in this price range to suit my needs as I grow into a pro upper brass player and teacher (coming from woodwinds). The valves are good and come fully lubricated. The mouthpiece it comes with isn't the best 7c, but it plays. The finish had some blemishes around the bell (oxidation around the edge?) that I was not a fan of. The rest of the horn was spotless and pristine. I gave it a try for 2 days and decided to return the instrument. My (vintage) King 600 USA student trumpet sounds and plays better than this horn no matter what I mouthpiece I use. I need a horn that resonates and has a bigger bore. I can put more air through that horn, and less through this one. This horn is easy to play. It's good for what it's advertised for, (quality student horn on a budget), but don't expect this to be a substitute for a made-in-USA pro brass instrument. It earns a Solid 4 stars as a student/pre-college instrument.

I bought this for my daughter because she wanted to teach herself the trumpet. We were happy to see that it came in a very nice case. I'm not even sure what to look for in a trumpet, but this one is attractive compared to one I've seen in her music class (she plays sax in a small group setting). In only one month, she's belting recognizable tunes. It was all self-taught, so she's very happy with it. The only problem she's had is one of the valves (I think that's what it's called) was stuck. She couldn't open it. I have no idea if she's ever gotten it open, but she wouldn't let me take pliers to it. Not sure if this is a common problem.__________UPDATE 2/15/17: Wow. I initially gave this trumpet four stars, a positive rating. After all, my daughter liked her trumpet. This wasn't good enough for Jean Paul USA. No way. They contacted me immediately after reading my review about the screw that wouldn't turn. Would you believe they sent me a replacement right away *before* ever asking for a return? And they were nice enough to include a shipping label so I could send back the defective one at no cost. Not only that, I learned that they would fix or replace the instrument for any problems during the 1 year warranty period--which, by the way, includes *damage by children*. Double wow.If they had never sent a replacement, I would have been obliviously happy. Now that I realize their level of service and customer care, I am over the moon. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company to any of my friends. What an incredible experience.

I just received my trumpet. I had not played trumpet in decades but my son and granddaughter play. I was spurred on to re-learn so that we could record a 3 generation set of music as a legacy. First, the trumpet was well packaged and arrived as advertised and in short order. The fit and finish were excellent in my opinion but the most important item was a nice bright sound. For me playing this trumpet was similar to riding a bike, you don’t forget. So very pleased with the sound, the case it came in , the overall quality finish, and the price. Well worth the money!